Adrift, broken from moorings.
Afloat, on the surface of the water.
Ahead, in the direction of the vessel’s head.
Amidships, in the middle of the vessel.
Apeak, when the cable is hove taut, so as to bring the vessel nearly over the anchor.
Astern, in the direction of her stern.
Avast, an order to stop.
Athwart, across—as “thwart hawse.”
Backstays, ropes running from topmast and top-gallantmast to her sides.